Consumer confidence, led by high hopes for the housing markets, has recovered from its doubts in the wake of the government shutdown last fall and is starting the new year on a tear. Two weeks ago economists at the Conference Board forecasted that for the year as a whole growth will accelerate markedly to 2.9% in 2014 from the subdued … Read More »

Even though home prices rose more than 10 percent last year and lifted 1.4 million house poor homeowners above water, consumers have suddenly become concerned nervous about the value of their homes, according to a national opinion survey. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey last week found that homeowner confidence in the value of their homes dropped suddenly over … Read More »

A home’s curb appeal is the first thing buyers notice about a home. That’s why Realtors rated eight exterior projects among the top ten most valuable home improvement projects in the 2014 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. Read More »

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index , which had decreased sharply in October, declined again in November. down to 72.0 from 72.6. The Expectations Index declined to 69.3 from 72.2 last month, which could have serious ramifications for housing demand if the slide continues into the new year. Read More »

Even though prices have risen as much as12 percent this year, more than any year since the end of the boom in 2007, sellers are not trying to sell their homes without the help of a real estate professional. Read More »

The overall market share of single buyers declined from 32 percent in 2010 to 25 percent in both 2012 and 2013. First-time home buyers slipped to a 38 percent market share in the past year from 39 percent in a preview of NAR’s 2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. Read More »

A median-income household can only afford a median-priced home in eight of the nation’s 25 largest metro areas, down from 14 out of 25 a year ago. Read More »

The bitter Congressional negotiations that led to a temporary raising of the debt ceiling last week may have a lingering effect on consumer attitudes and spending may pose significant downside risks to economic activity in the current quarter, Fannie Mae’s chief economist said. Read More »

One-third of consumers with a gross annual household income of $250,000 or more say they are considering the purchase of residential property in the next 12 months for personal use or as an investment Read More »

Lending standards? What lending standards? Purchase loans are soaring as home buyers outmuscle refinancing home owners in the pursuit of mortgage credit. Read More »